First-Ever Run the Rodanthe draws a big crowd

The first-ever Run the Rodanthe Bridge 5-mile and 5K race, which took place at the new Jug Handle Bridge on Saturday, April 9, drew a large crowd of runners, spectators, and volunteers who flocked to the event for the opportunity to be among the first to visit the new structure.

The race, which benefited the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo (RWS) Civic Association, reached its maximum of 600 entrants in mid-February, creating the need for a waiting list. “There is no doubt this event could have easily reached 800 plus,” stated the RWS Civic Association in an earlier update.

The winners of the race have been announced on the event’s website, which includes an overall 5K First Place win for David Kiser of Rocky Mount, an anonymous Second Place winner, and a Third Place win for Christopher Bellows of Buxton.

In the overall 5-Mile race results, First Place went to Jason Nieuwsma of Chapel Hill, Second Place went to Gray Berryman of Kitty Hawk, and Third Place went to Carter Ficklen of Yorktown, Virginia.

Though the final donation tallies from the event have not yet been confirmed, race organizers say the inaugural event garnered a lot of attention and support, and a lot of funds for the RWS Civic Association.

“We should be in the ballpark to net in the neighborhood of $15,000,” said race organizer Tom Amatucci. “That’ll take care of the pathway maintenance for the year, the Adopt-A-Hwy project, hopefully repaint the crosswalks, a few scholarships, donations to local [Hatteras Island] charities/events, decorations for holidays, adding and maintaining Little Libraries, and much more.”

“The RWS Civic Association is truly thankful for all the runners/walkers, all sponsors [and] volunteers, and NCDOT for joining in to make this event a huge success!”